1.3 Describe symptoms of Parkinson’s disease in relation to: • motor • non-motor

This guide will help you answer 1.3 Describe symptoms of Parkinson’s disease in relation to: • motor • non-motor.

Parkinson’s disease is a long-term neurological condition that affects movement and other bodily functions. It happens when nerve cells in the brain that make a chemical called dopamine stop working properly. Dopamine helps control movement. When levels of dopamine drop, movement becomes slower and less controlled.

Symptoms are often grouped into two main types. These are motor symptoms and non-motor symptoms. Motor symptoms are related to physical movement. Non-motor symptoms affect other parts of health and well-being.

Motor Symptoms

Motor symptoms are the most widely recognised signs of Parkinson’s disease. They affect a person’s ability to control their muscles and movements. These symptoms can appear gradually and worsen over time.

Tremor

A tremor is an involuntary shaking movement. It often starts in one hand or arm. The hand may shake when it is at rest and the tremor often reduces when the person is using their hand. This tremor is sometimes described as “pill rolling” because the movement looks similar to rolling a small object between the fingers and thumb. Tremors can spread to other limbs as the condition progresses.

Bradykinesia

Bradykinesia means slowness of movement. It can make everyday activities like dressing, eating, or brushing teeth much slower. People may notice that they take smaller steps when walking or that it takes longer to start a movement. This symptom often has a big impact on independence.

Muscle Rigidity

Rigidity means stiffness in the muscles. This can affect any part of the body. It can limit movement and cause pain. A person may find it hard to swing their arms when walking or to turn their head freely. Rigidity can also contribute to feelings of muscle fatigue.

Postural Instability

Postural instability means problems with balance and coordination. People may find it hard to remain steady when standing, especially if pushed or pulled. This is a major cause of falls in those with Parkinson’s. The risk of injury from falls increases as balance worsens.

Gait Changes

Many people develop a shuffling walk. Steps become shorter with reduced arm swing. The person may also lean forwards slightly. Some people experience “freezing,” where they feel their feet are stuck to the floor, often at doorways or narrow spaces.

Facial Masking

Reduced facial movement means expressions can appear blank or fixed. This is sometimes called hypomimia. It can make it harder for others to read emotions and can affect social interactions.

Non-Motor Symptoms

Non-motor symptoms affect areas beyond movement. They can happen at any stage of Parkinson’s and may appear years before motor symptoms are noticeable. These symptoms are sometimes less visible but can have a large effect on daily life, relationships, and mental health.

Sleep Problems

Many people with Parkinson’s have disturbed sleep. This can include trouble falling asleep, waking often, or acting out dreams (REM sleep behaviour disorder). Restless legs syndrome can also make sleep difficult. Poor sleep can increase tiredness in the day, affecting mood and concentration.

Mental Health Changes

Depression and anxiety are common in Parkinson’s. These are caused by brain changes and the stress of living with a long-term illness. Mood changes can make it harder to cope with symptoms and can lead to social withdrawal.

Cognitive Changes

Cognition refers to thinking skills. Some may find memory becomes less sharp or that planning and decision-making take longer. In later stages, some people develop dementia connected to Parkinson’s.

Loss of Sense of Smell

Loss of smell (anosmia) can appear years before motor symptoms. It may be subtle at first but can lead to loss of enjoyment in food and affect appetite.

Autonomic Nervous System Problems

The autonomic nervous system controls automatic body functions. In Parkinson’s, this system can be affected in several ways:

• Blood pressure drops when standing, causing dizziness (orthostatic hypotension)
• Sweating problems
• Problems with bladder control, such as urgency or frequency
• Constipation caused by slower bowel movement

Speech and Communication Changes

The voice may become softer, more monotone, or hoarse. Speech might be less clear, making conversation harder for others to follow. Changes can also make the person sound less expressive, similar to the effect of facial masking.

Swallowing Difficulties

Some people develop dysphagia, where swallowing becomes slower or less coordinated. This can increase the risk of coughing when eating and choking. It may also lead to weight loss or chest infections if food or liquid goes into the lungs.

Fatigue

Fatigue in Parkinson’s is more than normal tiredness. It can be overwhelming and is not always linked to activity levels. It is thought to be related to brain changes, poor sleep, and the effort needed to move and function with motor symptoms.

Pain

Pain may come from muscle stiffness, cramps, or joint strain. Some people have nerve-related pain caused by the way Parkinson’s affects the brain’s pain processing.

Eye and Vision Problems

Dry eyes, blurred vision, or problems with focusing can occur. Some people develop difficulty judging distances or have double vision.

How Symptoms Vary

Not everyone will have the same symptoms. The order in which they appear, their severity, and how quickly they worsen are unique to each person. Some start with tremor, while others notice stiffness or slowness first. Some experience more non-motor problems from the outset.

In early stages, symptoms may not interfere much with daily life. As the condition progresses, both motor and non-motor symptoms usually become more noticeable. People often need more support with personal care, mobility, and communication over time.

Impact on Daily Life

Motor symptoms make physical tasks harder. Dressing, eating, and walking may take more time and effort. This can lead to frustration and reduced independence. Falls and injuries can cause anxiety and limit confidence in moving around.

Non-motor symptoms can affect mood, relationships, and social participation. Poor sleep, fatigue, and cognitive changes can reduce concentration and make it harder to plan or remember tasks. Autonomic problems like constipation or bladder issues can cause embarrassment, leading to isolation.

Both motor and non-motor symptoms may interact. For example, muscle rigidity might make it harder to get comfortable at night, which can worsen sleep problems and fatigue.

Managing Symptoms

Although there is no cure for Parkinson’s, treatments can help manage symptoms. These include:

• Medicines that increase or mimic dopamine to improve movement
• Physiotherapy to help with mobility and balance
• Speech therapy for voice and swallowing problems
• Occupational therapy to adapt daily routines and improve independence
• Support for mental health, such as counselling or medication for depression or anxiety

Lifestyle changes such as regular exercise and a healthy diet can help maintain strength and flexibility. Support groups can provide emotional help and advice for living with the condition.

Final Thoughts

Parkinson’s disease affects people in many different ways. Motor symptoms like tremor, stiffness, and slowness are the most recognised signs, but non-motor symptoms can be just as challenging. These include sleep disturbance, mental health changes, pain, and problems with the autonomic nervous system. Both types of symptoms can affect a person’s confidence, relationships, and quality of life.

Understanding the wide range of symptoms is important for providing good care and support. By recognising both the visible and hidden effects of Parkinson’s, health and social care workers can respond with empathy, adapt their approach, and help maintain the person’s independence for as long as possible. Care that addresses the whole person, not just their movement, can make a meaningful difference in daily life.